Tuesday, 7 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 841-860

Health Research Board

Questions (841)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

841. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 516 of 23 June 2020, the measures his Department is taking to safeguard the rights and interests of data subjects and to create a robust governance structure in line with general data protection regulation, particularly in cases in which access to data will be determined by a commercial entity; and the instruments in place to grant data subjects their right to information and access with regard to their personal data. [14414/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The General Data Protection Regulation sets out the principles governing the processing of personal data, the obligations on data controllers and data processors in relation to their processing of personal data and the rights of data subjects in relation to their personal data, including rights to information about the processing of their personal data and access to it. The Data Protection Act 2018 gave further effect to those principles, obligations and rights. In the area of processing personal data for health research, the previous Minister for Health made Regulations setting out suitable and specific safeguards for data subjects in relation to such processing.

Data controllers, whether they are public bodies or private commercial companies, must meet their obligations which includes ensuring that individuals can exercise their data protection rights.

Compliance with data protection law is a matter for the Data Protection Commission and any specific concerns with compliance in respect of any aspect or any data controller should be brought to the attention of the Commission.

Data Protection

Questions (842)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

842. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the person responsible for the implementation of an opt-out publicity campaign (details supplied); and the person overseeing the campaign to ensure that conditions are met. [14415/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The persons responsible for the implementation of the opt-out publicity campaign are the joint data controllers in the study.

The Health Research Regulations provide that the Health Research Consent Declaration Committee may revoke a declaration where it is satisfied that the conditions imposed by it are not being met.

Data Protection

Questions (843)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

843. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the involvement of a company (details supplied) in State-funded genomic research, in the absence of rigorous data protection structures, in view of the lack of public engagement on this matter and concerns over the compliance of the company with general data protection regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14416/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There is already in place in Ireland a rigorous and statutory data protection structure for the protection of personal data processed for health research purposes.

The provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation apply. They require that: the principles in Article 5 are adhered to, a legal basis in Article 6 applies, a condition in Article 9 is met and that suitable and specific safeguards to protect the data subject are in place.

Section 36 of the Data Protection Act gives further effect to those suitable and specific safeguards. The section allows for them to be identified and specified by the Minister for Health and, after consultation with the Data Protection Commission and the Minister for Justice and Equality, to be made mandatory in statutory Regulations. That is what the Health Research Regulations 2018 do very clearly. The Regulations put in place an extensive governance structure that complements and supplements the provisions in GDPR.

Compliance with data protection law (for public and private bodies) is a matter for the Data Protection Commission. It is not for me, as Minister for Health, to determine whether a particular data controller is in compliance with its data protection requirements. If there are specific concerns with compliance they should be brought to the attention of the Commission.

Programme for Government

Questions (844)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

844. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the intended role of the national genetics and genomics medicine network as committed to in the programme for Government. [14417/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

An independent review of the laboratory and clinical genetic services was commissioned by the HSE and undertaken by Professor Dian Donnai and Bill Newman. The report, which was submitted in May 2014 to the HSE made 20 recommendations, one of which was the establishment of a National Genetic and Genomic Medicine Network (NGGMN). The Report of the National Genetic and Genomic Medicine Network Strategy Group (2016) (the Smith Report) reviewed the Donnai and Newman Report and made recommendations for the next steps, with respect to clinical and laboratory genetics & genomics for the country.

The establishment of a National Genetic & Genomic Medicine Network (NGGMN) will bring together all parties within the field of genomic medicine (and associated research). The NGGMN will build the effective governance arrangements that recognise the interdependence between corporate, financial and clinical governance across the service and integrate them to deliver high quality, safe and reliable healthcare. The NGGMN will operate on hub and spoke basis with dedicated outreach clinics.

Funding has been provided for the recruitment of a number of posts to begin the work of establishing the Network and recruitment is currently underway. These posts include a Director of the Network, which will be an academic appointment jointly with UCD and Trinity College Dublin, a Clinical Laboratory Director and a General Manager.

As part of its 2020 work programme, the Department is considering the role of genetics and genomic medicine within the Irish healthcare system, as well as reflecting on alternative approaches taken in other jurisdictions to advancing their national genomic medicine strategies. During February, a background paper was developed for consideration by the Management Board and prior to the Covid-19 crisis, a brief statement of intent was being prepared setting out the principles and objectives of a public genomic medicine service. This will facilitate engagement with national and international stakeholders with an interest in the establishment of a publicly funded genetics and genomics programme.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (845)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

845. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will address the discriminatory insurance policy offered by a company (details supplied) which forbids general practitioners from providing healthcare during and after pregnancy to a person who plans to have a homebirth; if he will engage with the insurance provider to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14418/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care to expectant mothers ordinarily resident in Ireland. This combined medical service is provided by the family GP and a hospital obstetrician and includes a schedule of alternating examinations at the GP’s practice and a maternity unit/hospital, as well as two post-natal visits to the GP.

The State indemnifies enterprises on behalf of the Minister for Health under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS) when national policy confirms that this should be provided. This includes Community Midwives who have an SLA with the HSE for the provision of home births. In the case of GPs, they are private practitioners and to date services provided by them and by GP practice nurses are not covered by the CIS. Instead, as private practitioners, GPs receive professional indemnity from private medical indemnity providers. As this is an arrangement between two private parties, the medical indemnity cover provided is a matter for GPs and their private insurers.

The National Maternity Strategy aims to ensure that appropriate care pathways are in place in order that mothers, babies and families get the right care, at the right time, by the right team and in the right place. The Strategy makes it clear that women should be offered a choice regarding their preferred pathway of care, in line with their clinical needs and best practice, including in regard to the birth setting. Further discussions need to take place with relevant parties to agree national policy on the role of GPs in relation to home births, in the context of the National Maternity Strategy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (846)

Emer Higgins

Question:

846. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 tracking app will work on a smartphone that has Bluetooth turned on and can access Wi-Fi at home but does not have access to a phone network or to internet 3G, 4G and so on over a phone network. [14420/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Covid-19 tracing app will work even if the smartphone does not have access to the 3G or 4G network.

1. The phones only require Bluetooth capability (to have the app installed and be running the most recent operating systems) to be able to detect each other (2 metre, 15 minute rule).

2. The phones only require wireless connectivity to be able to download the anonymous keys required for the phone to determine whether the user has been in contact with someone who has been confirmed as Covid positive, and to create an alert.

3. When a person is confirmed as Covid positive, they will ordinarily be sent a one time password (OTP) via text so they can upload their encrypted keys. If the user does not have access to the 3G or 4G, HSE contact tracing operations will need to provide them with a code over the phone. This is a little more complicated than if they were able to receive a text, but still means the app is usable in the absence of access to 3G or 4G.

Health Services Provision

Questions (847)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

847. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when paediatric physiotherapy services will resume in a Dungloe Community Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14422/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Addiction Treatment Services

Questions (848, 849, 850)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

848. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the status of the Dublin north-east inner city initiative addiction unit and associated staff hires. [14432/20]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

849. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the HSE CHO9 full year budget for addiction services as of 1 January 2020; and if CHO9 has reallocated €700,000 from the Dublin north-east inner city initiative addiction services 2020 budget line to provide for an overspend in homeless related services. [14440/20]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

850. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of residential addiction related stabilisation, step-down and recovery beds in HSE CHO9 in tabular form. [14441/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 848 to 850, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Disability Services Funding

Questions (851)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

851. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the 1% cut to disability services for 2020. [14442/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed to allocate substantial additional funding to the Health Vote to meet the costs associated with the implementation of the measures outlined in the National Action Plan in response to COVID-19.

Within this context, the HSE has put in place a structured governance process through which Section 39 bodies experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency can seek financial and non-financial supports, in order to ensure continuity of essential services. I am also advised that the HSE has given Section 38 and Section 39 providers of disability services and supports assurance that budget allocations confirmed to each provider via the relevant Community Healthcare organisation, will remain in place to year end, subject to co-operation with the HSE and compliance with the relevant Service Arrangements.

The HSE and all of the providers it funds are expected to continually review their cost structures to ensure the best use of resources and a focus on the use of these resources for client care to the greatest extent possible. The very significant additional financial resources provided to disability services over the last year, together with the achievement of relatively modest efficiency savings, form part of the financing of the increased service levels set out in the National Service Plan 2020.

It was intended that these efficiencies would be achieved in 2020 through the application of a 1% efficiency target to existing budgets across all service areas. However, the delivery of the 1% efficiency target in the disability sector is considered problematic given the significant pressures on the sector in the context of COVID-19.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (852)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

852. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if there is a difference in the advice given to social care residential homes and settings, specifically those residential care settings for elderly persons and nursing homes versus residential care settings for persons with a disability; the nature of the differences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14446/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, people living in long-term residential care (LTRC) facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of Covid-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes.

The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support long term residential care facilities and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities.

Advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) focused on all LTRC settings and its recommended actions are relevant for all residential care services - whether services for older people, for people with a disability or mental health care residential settings.

LTRC settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. It is recognised that the impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in LTRCs has been considerable. The introduction of physical distancing, restricted contact with family and loved ones and other measures have changed the usual dynamic of social interaction for residents of these settings.

During these times there has been a particular emphasis on retaining a holistic view of the well-being of residents, remaining person-centred, being cognisant of their rights as citizens, and being vigilant that in seeking to shield them from infection that these rights are not infringed upon in to an extent, or in a manner, that is disproportionate.

As the disease is becoming more suppressed in the community, NPHET has advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities should commence, while taking public health precautions. This advice is reflected in the latest cocooning and visiting guidance. Detail of this guidance is set out by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre at:

https://www.hpsc.ie.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to further details of guidance and advice provided to LTRCs.

HSE Data

Questions (853)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

853. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of mystery shopper inspections carried out under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 at the end of June 2020. [14450/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

This is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Hospital Staff

Questions (854)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

854. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time laboratory scientists employed at Connolly hospital. [14451/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (855)

Michael McNamara

Question:

855. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an appointment for elective eye surgery at University Hospital Limerick following a previous cancelled appointment in March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14453/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care.

My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (856)

Michael McNamara

Question:

856. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an appointment for elective surgery at University Hospital Limerick following the cancellation of an appointment for 6 July 2020 with no rescheduled date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14456/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care.

My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (857)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

857. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health in the context of Covid-19 relating to the recent guidelines requiring patients to quarantine before surgeries, if this includes elective and emergency c-sections in maternity hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14465/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Questions (858)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

858. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the recruitment plans in place to address the staffing crisis in child psychology teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14471/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (859, 860)

Matt Carthy

Question:

859. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if advice was provided to healthcare workers and-or patients that they should not use commercial launderettes or dry cleaners during any stage of the Covid-19 pandemic; the scientific basis of such advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14473/20]

Matt Carthy

Question:

860. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if Covid-19 specific advice, guidance or standards were provided to commercial launderettes or dry cleaners; if so, if he will provide copy of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14474/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 859 and 860 together.

My Department did not issue advice to healthcare workers or patients as to the use or otherwise of commercial launderettes or dry cleaners over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic nor am I aware of any such advice having been issued by the HSE. I have referred the Deputy's question on this matter to the HSE for their response and direct reply.

Furthermore, I have no function with regard to issuing specific advice or guidance to commercial launderettes or drycleaners. Specific guidance in relation to a business activity in a particular sector of the economy is a matter for the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.

A range of information was provided by the Health Service Executive and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre as guidance for the effective suppression of the spread of COVID-19 disease in various environments. The first two document links below refer to Public Health Information Booklets and provide advice in relation to laundering clothes.

The third document, "Acute Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for Possible or Confirmed COVID-19 in a Pandemic Setting" provides guidance and information on infection prevention and control procedures to manage COVID-19 in the acute healthcare setting including hand hygiene when handling laundry along with the safe management of linen.

The final link below will direct you to all COVID-19 guidance documents for healthcare and non-healthcare settings.

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-information-booklet.pdf

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-information-booklet.pdf

https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/Infection%20Prevention%20and%20Control%20Precautions%20for%20Acute%20Settings%20-COVID-19.pdf

https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/